Thursday, December 27, 2012

Glucose Test - AKA The Icky Orange Drink


So its about that time. I'm scheduling the glucose test that pregnant ladies take to check if they've acquired gestational diabetes during their pregnancy. This is something that I have been a little nervous about, since I read that eating paleo actually can skew the results of this test. I'm not sure the exact details and chemistry involved in everything, but when I was reading paleo pregnancy blogs at 5 weeks pregnant, I read a couple times (not sure the validity of course) that since paleo eaters eat such a low amount of sugar, drinking that sugary drink will spike your glucose levels significantly. So I read suggestions to carbo-load a couple days before the test so that you don't have to go through the trouble of returning back for the extra long re-test to prove you don't have gestational diabetes. What a pain.

So I got some good news at my last appointment with my mid-wife. I don't have to drink the orange drink!!! This is her reasoning...what good does drinking a super-sugary drink tell you about how you eat and how your body responds to sugar on a daily basis? I love this lady. So simple and true. So instead I get to go in before I eat breakfast to give a blood test. Then she send me home to eat what i would NORMALLY eat for breakfast (probably am going to predict that is going to be eggs...not an orange sugar drink). Then I come back and she tests me again. It makes much more sense to see how your body responds to normal food.

I just wish that everyone could have the option (especially my fellow paleo eaters out there) of testing this way. I know there are a ton of reasons for both sides and why some doctors do things the way they do, but either way...I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it this time around. Whew.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Gingerbread Snowmen Pancakes


I said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I have never been into gingerbread in the past, but this year I can't stop searching the internet to make anything gingerbread. There's those pregnancy cravings for ya I guess.
So I was on a mission. Last night we took the kids to the store and I bought my molasses (had no idea what molasses were or where to find them since I've never needed to use them.) and some extra spices.  I woke up this morning and started mixing.

GINGERBREAD PALEO PANCAKES

1 ½ cups almond meal
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
3 eggs
¼ cup coconut milk
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. molasses
Mix the dry ingredients first, then mix in the wet ingredients. Mix with a hand mixer for 1 – 2 minutes to blend well. Grease griddle or pan with coconut oil. Drop by ¼ cup on med-high heat. Flip pancake when the top begins to look dry.
I needed to share this awesome idea to get your kids into the holiday spirit (and yourself in the holiday spirit too actually!)Once the pancakes are made, add some dark chocolate chips to decorate (super fun for kids to do themselves...as long as they aren't like my 2 year old and will eat them instead of putting them on the pancake...he's a sneaky one!!!) and some coconut "snow" flakes at the bottom. If I was really good, I'd cook bacon and add that as a scarf around the neck...To my sons' demise, we didn't have that much time this morning though.
I don't know if I've mentioned that I also run a daycare and preschool from my home. We are learning about the Gingerbread Baby this week. So I'll definitely get my gingerbread fix with the projects we got going this week! YES! This will be a good week!

Paleo Gingerbread Cookie Cutter Cookies


The goodness of the holidays, paleo style. I love it...AND these are amazing.


GINGERBREAD COOKIE RECIPE        
Adapted from: http://fastpaleo.com
3 1/4 cups almond meal
2 TBSP. ground ginger
1 TBSP. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
1 Tbsp. coconut cream or milk
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 TBSP. Almond Butter

Heat oven to 320 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients together. In a pan over medium heat, melt honey, molasses & coconut oil. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut milk and almond butter. Add wet ingredients to dry mixture and stir until combined.
You may drop them onto a coconut oiled cookie sheet right now, or you can make cookie cutter cookies by chilling the dough for at least an hour in the refrigerator. 

Make sure cookie cutters and dough are as cold as possible before rolling out dough between 2 pieces of wax paper to 1/4 inch thickness. The dough rolls out best when cold, and gets a little sticker as time goes on, so its best to work fast!

Place on coconut oiled cookie sheet and bake for 10 -12 minutes. Let cool on pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
The kids LOVE to frost cookies. We used melted dark chocolate. You can put on in whatever creative way works best for you. We used craft sticks and skewers to "paint" our chocolate onto the cookie.

I thought I'd have to cut a lot of our Christmas traditions out since we are full on paleo this year. But it has been so fun hunting and altering recipes so that we can still bake cookies, have our holiday meals (paleo style) and enjoy the season while feeling good too. I hope you enjoy this recipe. We sure have!

Gingerbread Snowman Pancakes


I said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I have never been into gingerbread in the past, but this year I can't stop searching the internet to make anything gingerbread. There's those pregnancy cravings for ya I guess.


So I was on a mission. Last night we took the kids to the store and I bought my molasses (had no idea what molasses were or where to find them since I've never needed to use them.) and some extra spices.  I woke up this morning and started mixing.

GINGERBREAD PALEO PANCAKES

1 ½ cups almond meal
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
3 eggs
¼ cup coconut milk
2 Tbsp. raw honey
2 Tbsp. molasses
Mix the dry ingredients first, then mix in the wet ingredients. Mix with a hand mixer for 1 – 2 minutes to blend well. Grease griddle or pan with coconut oil. Drop by ¼ cup on med-high heat. Flip pancake when the top begins to look dry.
I needed to share this awesome idea to get your kids into the holiday spirit (and yourself in the holiday spirit too actually!)Once the pancakes are made, add some dark chocolate chips to decorate (super fun for kids to do themselves...as long as they aren't like my 2 year old and will eat them instead of putting them on the pancake...he's a sneaky one!!!) and some coconut "snow" flakes at the bottom. If I was really good, I'd cook bacon and add that as a scarf around the neck...To my sons' demise, we didn't have that much time this morning though.


I don't know if I've mentioned that I also run a daycare and preschool from my home. We are learning about the Gingerbread Baby this week. So I'll definitely get my gingerbread fix with the projects we got going this week! YES! This will be a good week!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Octopus Hotdogs

So we survived another birthday party this past weekend. My 2nd son, Ellis, turned 2 on Sunday. He knew he wanted a Nemo birthday party, so we made it happen for him. Complete with a paleo lunch that was right up his alley...Octopus Hotdogs!

It was really a fun twist ... and my kids favorite lunch, actually. We served all these kids these fun little sea creatures and the adults had their choice of Italian Sausage. On the side we had onions and peppers saute'd in a tomato sauce, which is also one of Ellis' favorites. (Which is weird when a kid asks for onions and peppers constantly...but its his fav! A good one to have since its a staple over here). As you may have figured, an octopus hotdog is very simple to make...but none the less, the recipe is below.

Octopus Hotdogs


1-6 (preferably (preferrably no added nitrates)
2 raisins per hotdog

Instructions: Cook the hotdog however you please. I like them boiled, but I know some like to microwave due to the quickness factor. Begin to slice hot dog length-wise, but leave the last 2 inches in tact. Cut this same way until the hotdog has 8 legs. Spread onto a plate. Add 2 raisin eyes by either making them stick on their own, or add tooth picks (but please remember to remove before eating. That wouldn't be tasty). Enjoy!
These would be great for any kind of under sea themed party for kids. Loved the idea and I hope you do too!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving



The kids got a kick out of snack time today. We had a Thanksgiving Treat at snack time. Like any other awesome idea, I probably borrowed it from something I saw somewhere on the web and changed it a bit to fit what we have in the house. So I had apples and raisins in the pantry...so I decided to tap into my creative side.

A Raisin and Apple Turkey. Awesomely easy Paleo Thanksgiving Treat.


A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to you all!!!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Go Ahead...Play with your food


So I am pretty much a clean freak. I think something happened when I was pregnant with my first son that made me that way... I sure wasn't like that growing up. I think I always try to think of all the clean-up I'll have to do after the fact, and try to prevent the mess from happening in the first place. Well having 2 kids, boys at that, has surely taught me there is no way to prevent a mess.

I have learned a very valuable lesson having messy boys around. If you can't prevent it...just have fun with it! That is something I have to remind myself daily, because my boys really do have much more fun when they don't have so many rules all the time. The dinner table is usually the place we try to teach manners, and how to eat in a polite way. Don't get me wrong, we sure do that on most occasions. But once in awhile we shake it up. Jacob was going through another "no, I don't like that," stage. Every parent has their ways of handling their child and their eating habits. What works for Jacob...playing with his food.

Jacob - eating cucumber "sandwich" on top of a spinach "blanket"

One night I told him to pretend with his food. I called his spinach a blanket and he thought it was the most clever thing ever. He carefully wrapped his shredded chicken on top of the blanket and put another piece of spinach over it. He started talking to his food like they were characters in a long-drawn out story. At the end...he ate. That's all I wanted. Just eat, kid. Although it took an extra half hour for him to finish...he ate everything on his plate.

He loves stacking cucumber circles into "sandwiches", rolling up things in his spinach "blankets," and un-rolling his meat roll ups to bite different shapes in the middle. Some times its gross when he puts things on the table and mixes things together that I don't even want to try. But it is getting him to eat healthy, paleo dinners that make him feel good. Actually, I should go and clean up what is left from our lunch creations before it dries onto the table.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Kids - They are What They Eat

It has definitely been a journey so far with introducing my sons to the paleo way of eating. I would second guess myself CONSTANTLY. And then there were those weeks that I realize they are back to eating pretzels and graham crackers for snacks since it is easy and cheap. Those were the weeks Jacob, my now 4 year old, tantrumed constantly throughout the day. I'd chalk it up to a coincidence each time. I'd get my paleo kick back and prep all the foods and snacks throughout the week, having carrots, broccoli, apples, bananas...all ready for them to munch on throughout the day. Those Paleo weeks...did they just HAPPEN to be the weeks my son shared with his 2 year old brother, was super focused (actually responding to me when I said his name...literally it takes 15 times and physically moving his head to get his attention on some occasions. Well not some occasions...the non-paleo occasions, to be more specific), and was an all around complete angel? I had to have my sister talk some sense into me...nope...not a coincidence at all.

It's plain hard to change a 3 old's olds eating habits. When they grow up LOVING, and i mean LOVING graham crackers dipped in milk as a special snack, it is hard to take that away. You feel guilty like you are taking away their teddy bear they've had since they've been a baby. Its all in our minds, Moms. I passed up graham crackers in the supermarket one of the first weeks we started paleo with the kids. Jacob asked for them a couple of times the first week. I showed him we didn't have any. Not much he could do really. He might have thrown a fit or two that week, but then he saw the big bowl of fruit on our counter. He realized he could just pick anyone he wanted...any time of the day...and I'd say yes. Woh. That was cool. Week 2 of no graham crackers; he totally forgot about them.

I seriously thought it would be harder than cleaning out the pantry. But the hardest part was getting myself out of my own head. It all boils down to the simple fact, Kids will eat if they are hungry. So when they are hungry, if you have actual food around and not the sugar-filled, boxed, chemically altered snacks...then you may just realize how awesome your little one can be when they feel good too. I have witnessed first hand with myself and my kids....we are what we eat.

- Jacob, my 4 year old, eating his new favorite dinner...chicken wrapped in spinach leaf "blankets."

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pregnant and Paleo

So this isn't Cindy...it would be a surprise to many of you if it was and she was the one expecting...for the 6th time. It's her sister, Kim and my husband and I are expecting child #3 in March. This will be the first pregnancy since I have gone paleo. My pregnancy has become our new little experiment. There will probably be many posts in the next couple of months regarding my quest to maintain my paleo lifestyle while growing a little one in my belly.
So this much I can tell you so far... If you are going to get pregnant or already are...eat paleo. I still consider myself a paleo 'newbie.' I started in February of this year (2012) and found out we were pregnant in July. So with a couple months under my belt I already knew it was something I would follow for life. It wasn't a diet for me...but a lifestyle change. When we just found the good news, I researched like crazy for paleo pregnancies and how it all works. Were there things and nutrients I was missing out on? Was I hurting my baby? I'll save you the time I took researching and just let you in on the Answer...absolutely not.
Top reasons I stayed on my paleo diet while pregnant:
  • So much more energy than my other pregnancies.
  • My hormones are actually 'normal' - Those nights I have a little too much popcorn (one of the non-paleo salty cravings I do still indulge in once in awhile.) I wake up cranky, with a headache, and crying about something. Eating paleo makes me feel normal and sane. (And my husband stays happy too...a must!)
  • They tell you to eat good food while you're pregnant. Duh - that's paleo. All the blogs and apps that give you daily and weekly pregnancy updates on what you should be eating...they all say eat veggies, fruit, proteins for your vitamins. Stay away from excess processed sugar - check. Increase your DHA with avocados, walnuts and wild-caught salmon. Hmm...Sounds like a paleo meal I make on a Friday. Everything that you think you are missing from whole grains, you are getting from the vitamins in veggies, fruits, nuts, and meats.
So I'm 19 weeks pregnant now. I feel amazing with tons of energy. I'm glad too since we are getting into my favorite season where the boys and I can get outside to play!!!
Pumpkin Patch Adventure last week with me and the boys.
Nap time is over, so my writing time is done for today. More random pregnancy thoughts will come soon I'm sure...
-Kim

Monday, January 30, 2012

Mason Jar Freeze Up

I sure am nesting alright. Everything needs to been clean and ready so that when this little baby boy comes, I won’t have to do a thing. Now with 2 (soon to be 3) boys and a husband, that maybe asking for a little much. It is my goal, however, to relax much more than I did with the other two, after Baby Grant is born.

This new goal came up when I went to another appointment with my mid-wife last week and the discussion topic was regarding the “Fourth Trimester.” You learn something new each time around because I never heard it called that with my other two. The points the ladies were stressing seemed so simple in thought…you need to rest and heal after giving birth. They talked about one instance with patient that was up and about the next day, and not allowing her body to heal fully. Now she is in her 7-8th week postpartum with infections, continual bleeding, and there has been the suggestion of having a hysterectomy. Wow, that made me want to sit down right away.

I needed to hear this. It’s a good reminder to us Moms that we need to relax after birth. Our bodies went through so much for the last 9 plus months. My last birth was easy. I was up and about right away and trying to tend to my older toddler and give him attention. I’m going to be prepared this time around, though. First step seemed easy…get help for my older boys. Check! My Mom will be in town (not to mention my husband and other awesome friends and family).

The second thing I thought of was food. They suggested a recipe to have ready for “labor day.”  It is a bone broth to restore your body’s nutrients and water. Guess what? It was paleo. This made me think…I need to do this for more than just the day I go into labor. I might have failed to tell you all that I am actually having this baby at home. So I won't be getting convenient ever so convient hospital meals that just magically appear in front of me for  2 days. I need to start saving up meals for myself so that I can continue to eat the way I like to eat and the way that makes me feel the best...Paleo.  That’s when my search started….PALEO FREEZER MEAL IDEAS.
                                                       

I decided to start early, and for the next month I am going to double the batches of various meals I make so that I can freeze them in the extra mason jars I have stored in the bottom of my pantry. Today was my first freeze. Paleo Tomato Soup. Look for the recipe in our recipe section. Its awesome. This Lonely Little jar in the freezer will have some other yummy friends too, very soon. I’m excited about this adventure, so I’ll update you along the way to show you my Paleo Mason Jar Collection and how it grows in the next month.  Fourth Trimester…here we come!

   

Just a reminder: If you are going to freeze mason jars, make sure you leave a couple inches of room for expansion, and make sure the meal is at room temperature or colder before storing to avoid exploding jars. Not a fun clean up….believe me